I have vivid recollections of growing up reading a lime-green book about a Dachshund named Fridolin, “a happy story for children”, written by German author Franz Caspar. It was a heart-warming story about a little dog with a brave heart.

Fridolin by Franz Caspar

Later on, just when I thought I know everything there is to know about my favorite author, I discovered Agatha Christie’s “Dumb Witness: A Hercule Poirot Mystery”. I don’t know if it was the intelligence of Bob, the wire fox terrier, his never-ending attachment towards his mistress… or the surprisingly warm-heated side Hercule Poirot revealed in this detective novel. What an amazing dog among all the other book characters!

Bob and Hercule Poirot in the movie adaptation of Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie

What is certain is that whenever I read this book my faith in the human race’s love and understanding towards animals is restored.

Stories passed on to generations

New generation, new interests, but the same passion for… classics. My daughter introduced me to Timmy, George’s mongrel from “The Famous Five” by Enid Blyton.

Timmy’s a much loved dog, especially by his owner, and he gets to save the children from terrible fates.

My son preferred Scamper, Peter and Janet’s dog, loyal to the “Secret Seven”, also by Enid Blyton. Scamper loves all children. Good to know you’ve got a wagging tail always there for you.

Without Fridolin or Bob, Timmy, Scamper or Little Tail, adventures wouldn’t be the same and clothes would remain much cleaner – but at a cost of many smiles and giggles.

Inspirational dogs

I don’t know where Little Tail came from. I suppose I should know, since I wrote about him in “Happy Friends”. I guess he just grew in my heart, his story spinning out of the lives of all the dogs I loved throughout my life. I just had to create a dog and put him in a book among other lovable characters!

Little Tail is pretty much a do-er and a dream-er; a dog of contrasts. He’s small in size, but has the courage of a lion. He’s curious, yet cautious as he won’t easily venture outside his comfort zone. He’s a dreamer, fantasizing about things he doesn’t know, yet treasuring the old book’s advice.

But above all Little Tail from “Happy Friends” by South African author Patricia Furstenbergis a devoted friend, his adventures being filled with smiles, friends and… ice-cream flavored clouds!